NIAGARA FALLS ATTRACTIONS
(15 minutes from competition venue)

Niagara Falls is the collective name for 3 waterfalls that straddle the International border between Canada and the United States. They form the southern end of the Niagara Gorge. Locatedon the Niagara River, which drains Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, the combined falls form the highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world, with a vertical drop of more than 165 feet (50 m). Horseshoe falls, also known as the Canadian falls, is the most powerful waterfall in North America, as measured by vertical height and also by flow rate.

Niagara Jetboats. Over the past 12,000 years, the turbulent currents of the immensely powerful Niagara Falls have carved out a 7-mile (11km) gorge on the lower Niagara.  Hundreds of thousands of gallons of water flow over the Falls every minute and as that water enters the narrow rock gorge. Niagara's Devil's Hole Rapids boast 15'-20' (4.5m-6m) waves, currents with speeds approaching 20 mph (32 km) and a solid class 5 rating.  http://www.whirlpooljet.com/page/home

Explore just a few of the many opportunities to experience the stunning natural landscape of Niagara Parks. Go for a hike in the Niagara Glen and marvel at the prehistoric geological formations; take a leisurely bike ride along the Niagara River Recreation Trail; or join the many birders on the lookout for the rare and exciting species of birds that call the Niagara Region home.  For more information about the hiking the Niagara Gorge follow this link:
http://www.niagaraparks.com/niagara-falls-attractions/nature-activities.html

Get dealt into the action at the Fallsview Casino!  Whether your game is slots or tables, you'll find it all on one of the largest Casino gaming floors in the world – an impressive 200,000 square feet – the equivalent of three football fields.   Throughout, a welcome hint of sophistication and classic luxury awaits, blending seamlessly with the pulsing energy and adrenaline of gaming action!   Click this link for more information about the Niagara Fallsview Casino:
http://www.fallsviewcasinoresort.com/

Hornblower Niagara Cruises, also known as the Maid of the Mist, is a thrilling new way to experience Canada’s most spectacular wonder of the world.  They will take you on the ride of your life!  An intimate tour that gets you as close as possible to the breathtaking flow of water, power and mist that is the magnificent Niagara Falls. Within the Niagara Great Gorge you will journey past the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and into the very heart of the famous Horseshoe Falls. Hold onto your heart and keep your eyes wide open because you’re in for the thrill of a lifetime!  For more information about Niagara Cruises:  http://www.maidofthemist.com/

Your Great Wold Lodge adventure begins in a massive, 84-degree indoor water park. Splash the day away in over 100,000 square feet of water-packed excitement, including jaw-dropping slides for thrill seekers or zero-depth entry areas for little ones. Outside the water park, the fun continues.  From the spray features in the toddler area that make the little ones giggle to white-knuckle extreme tube rides, our water park was designed with everyone in mind.  Get an ice cream-themed manicure in Scooops Kid Spa before gathering your family in the Grand Lobby for nightly Story Time, the perfect ending to a Great Wolf day. 

Located right next to Niagara Falls, Clifton Hill offers an exciting array of attractions including haunted houses, wax museums and Ripley's Believe It or Not Theatre, resort hotels, restaurants, shops and nightclubs, providing fun experiences for everyone.  Where else can you ride a giant wheel 175 feet above Niagara Falls for the most amazing views, mini-putt with life size dinosaurs in a 36-hole mini-golf adventure, be challenged by over 300 interactive games at Canada's largest entertainment complex, along with many other unique adventures?!  For more information about Clifton Hill:  http://www.cliftonhill.com/

For over 48 years, Niagara Helicopters has been thrilling passengers from all over the world with the highest, most scenic, and most exciting sightseeing experience in the Niagara Region! Our meticulously maintained fleet of 5 six-seat Bell 407 helicopters can fly up to 30 passengers every 15 minutes each day (weather permitting) from 9 a.m. until sunset YEAR-ROUND!  For more information: 
http://niagarafallstourism.com/play/falls-experiences/niagara-helicopters/

The Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory is a magical attraction that features over 2,000 colorful tropical butterflies floating freely among lush, exotic blossoms and greenery.   Paths wind through the rainforest setting, past a pond and waterfall and the Emergence window, where butterflies leave their pupae and prepare to take their first flight!  The Butterfly Conservatory is located on the grounds of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, 10 minutes north of the Falls. Over 2,000 butterflies, made up of 45 different species, call this beautiful space home. Explore 180 metres of pathways winding through a lush, tropical environment.  More information: 
http://www.niagaraparks.com/niagara-falls-attractions/butterfly-conservatory.html

The world-famous Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls, Canada. Located in the heart of the Niagara Falls hotel, dining and entertainment district, the Skylon Tower is the most famous landmark next to the Falls.  Situated just steps from the Falls and across the Fallsview Casino, the Skylon Tower offers visitors the very best in Niagara Falls attractions, Niagara Falls dining as well as entertainment and shopping.  For more information:
http://www.skylon.com/

The larger-than-life Niagara Falls IMAX Experience brings reality to life on a screen over six stories high. With 12,000 watts of floor shaking digital surround sound, when you visit the IMAX Theatre in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, you’ll feel like you’re there. Whether it’s going over Niagara Falls, scaling the top of Mount Everest or speeding around the Indy track at 230 miles per hour, IMAX movie theaters are guaranteed to take you places you’ve never been before.  

Imagine a journey in search of the legendary Lost Kingdom. Discover exotic birds and animals in the tropical rainforest at Bird Kingdom, Niagara Falls Canada, the largest indoor free-flying aviary in the world. An adventure that is fun for all ages!  Learn about all of the adventures you can experience at Bird Kingdom by clicking this link:
http://www.birdkingdom.ca/discover

The sound is like thunder; the sight is awe-inspiring!  Take a journey deep below and behind the heart of Niagara, and stand in the mist where the mighty Horseshoe Falls tumbles from 13 storeys above!  At Journey Behind the Falls, you'll experience the awesome spectacle of one-fifth of the world’s fresh water crashing down to the basin below. During summer daylight hours, over 2,800 cubic meters of water thunders over the brink every second, traveling 65 kilometers per hour! 

NIAGARA ON THE LAKE ATTRACTIONS
(20-25 minutes from competition location.  15-20 minutes from Niagara Falls)

During the War of 1812, Fort George served as the headquarters for the Centre Division of the British Army.  These forces included British regulars, local militia, aboriginal warriors, and Runchey's corps of freed slaves.  Major General Sir Isaac Brock, "the savior of Upper Canada" served here until his death at the Battle of Queenston Heights in October, 1812.  Brock and his aide-de-camp John Macdonell were initially buried within the fort.  Step inside Fort George after dark and learn about its history and hauntings during this 1.5 to 2 hour candlelight ghost walk. 

At the entrance to this historic Park you will be greeted by carpet bedding displays, along with formalized annual bedding schemes that surround both the Brock and Laura Secord Monuments.  Nestled high atop the Niagara Escarpment, this is the birthplace of Niagara Falls - garden and nature lovers, hikers and picnickers have used this park for generations.  Queenston Heights Park is also a terminus point of the Bruce Trail, which winds it way northward over several hundred kilometers to Tobermory.  Parks Canada oversees the operation of Brock's Monument and also has a walking tour of the historic sites associated with this important battleground.  More information can be found here:  http://www.niagaraparks.com/niagara-falls-attractions/queenston-heights.html

Paddle Niagara was created to offer a perspective of Lake Ontario and the Niagara River you can not find anywhere else in the Region.  ​Owner, Tim Bala, has had a long love affair with board sports from a young age.  From skate boarding to snow boarding, wakeboarding and later skim boarding as a young adult on the West coast of Florida. ​ With Tim's experience comes a passion for water sports.  Devoting free time to kayaking, sailing and finally stand up paddling, driving him to open the first dedicated stand-up paddleboard rental and lessons business in the area!  Contact Tim to book your paddleboarding session: 
http://www.paddleniagara.com/#!about_us/csgz

Niagara-on-the-Lake is an oasis for those who want the ultimate food and wine experience.   Trip-Advisor voted Niagara-on-the-Lake Canada's #1 Food &  Wine Destination.  Each winery tells a unique story, with its own defining characteristics, as distinctive as the wines they create. From the sleekness of glass and steel, to the warmth of stone and wood, our wineries are expressions of our personalities.  For more information about wineries in Niagara On The Lake:  http://wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com/

You will find delightful, unexpected treasures in the retail establishments of Niagara On The Lake.  From everyday needs to those once-in-a-lifetime special gifts, the merchants are sure to please.  Allow plenty of time to browse in the shops of the Heritage District, a shopping environment like no other!  More information:  http://landmarkshopsofniagaraonthelake.com/

TORONTO ATTRACTIONS
(50-60 minutes from competition location)

Rogers Center, formerly known as SkyDome, is one of the most dynamic and versatile entertainment centers in the world.  No other venue has the diversity of events that Rogers Centre hosts on an annual basis across over 200 event days.  Since its spectacular opening on June 3, 1989, Rogers Centre has achieved the highest honors in the stadium entertainment industry and is a leader in corporate environmental responsibility.  Rogers Centre is the home of the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club™, World Series Champions in 1992 and 1993, and the Toronto Argonauts Football Team™ who won the Grey Cup in 1991, 1996, 1997 and 2004. From 2008 to 2012, the venue also hosted a total of 8 Buffalo Bills football games (NFL).  Look for a game or event during your stay in Niagara:  http://events.rogerscentre.com/

Immerse yourself in a world of 16,000 aquatic animals and discover your own underwater adventure at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada.  The Aquarium features North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel with more than 5.7 million litres of water and over 100 interactive opportunities.  Get up close and personal with three touch exhibits featuring horseshoe crabs, sharks, and rays as well as daily dive shows every 2 hours.  This awe-inspiring attraction consists of nine carefully curated galleries showcasing a cross section of saltwater and freshwater environments from around the world – starting with species from Toronto’s backyard, the Great Lakes basin. 

With more than six million items and forty galleries, the Royal Ontario Museum's (ROM) diverse collections of world culture and natural history are part of the reason for its international reputation.  The museum contains notable collections of dinosaurs, minerals and meteorites, Near Eastern and African art, Art of East Asia, European history, and Canadian history.  It also houses the world's largest collection of fossils from the Burgess Shale with more than 150,000 specimens.  The museum also contains an extensive collection of design and fine arts, including clothing, interior, and product design, especially Art Deco.  For more information about the exhibitions and galleries inside of the Royal Ontario Museum:  http://www.rom.on.ca/en